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Olivia Dolan 

Olivia joined HearMe about 2 months ago and has been significantly contributing towards the community since then. Olivia enjoys writing, exercising, going to the beach and going out to eat. She also loves getting her hair and nails done. Her support group on discussing concerns related to facing anxiety proved to be extremely helpful to the participants.

Raymery Abreu

Full of hope and optimism, Raymery joined the HearMe community two months back. Her energy is unmatchable and her kindness is contagious. She enjoys painting and taking photos and envisions to be a family therapist in the future.

How long have you been a Listener on HearMe?

Olivia: I joined HearMe about 2 months ago.

Raymery: I joined HearMe two months back.

What made you decide to become a listener?

Olivia: I was looking for a way to help people who could be having some difficulties with different things and really liked the mission HearMe is going forward on.

Raymery: I like to help people in any way possible, and through HearMe I can do it. Besides this, I can get experiences that will help me later on since I want to be a family therapist in the future.

What is your most memorable experience as a listener? What feelings does it bring?

Olivia: The most memorable is having my first chat and the way it went very well as I was able to help someone who felt they haven’t been heard by anyone in their intermediate circle of family and friends. This individual was going through a lot and I was there to listen and validate them and it really helped them to heal and now they’re doing so much better.

Raymery: When the person tells me that I have helped him/her feel better and that he/she could think of solutions to improve their situation with my help, it makes me very happy and motivates me to keep talking to members on HearMe.

How would you describe being a listener to a friend?

Olivia: Being a listener is a privilege. A listener needs to have that rapport and create that trust bond with the person who might be going through something private and may need a safe space to vent. Having the opportunity to help someone is truly rewarding.

Raymery: A listener is someone who is kind-hearted, they are someone who wants the best for others and are there to support people to achieve their goals.

How have you benefited from being a listener?

Olivia: I’ve gained a lot of understanding about different cultures and how people view things. I’ve been able to help others with their struggles and give great suggestions. People matter and sometimes we lose ourselves along the way or feel like we don’t deserve things and it’s important to remind them at that point that they’re just as deserving and lovable. I’ve gotten to learn a lot of different perspectives and interpersonal skills.

Raymery: Being a listener has made me more patient and helped me to see things from various perspectives than my own.

How would you describe HearMe to your friends and family?

Olivia: HearMe is a global application where anyone struggling with something can come and talk to someone who will be open and honest with them. They will be heard, validated and together the listener and individual can chat on certain topics or situations that may be difficult. The listener might not have all the answers but opening up about one’s personal struggles is a great first step.

Raymery: An application where you can talk with people and be yourself and express your worries and nobody will judge you.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

Olivia: I’m left-handed and adopted!

Raymery: I have 11 siblings.

What makes you feel inspired and motivated in your personal life?

Olivia: I’m halfway through my pre-med courses and will be applying to medical school really soon. I’m happy to have this opportunity to talk to people from all over the world to get this experience of empathy and interpersonal skills that I will carry with me into the medical field.

Raymery: My mother is my major inspiration. 

What do you think is the best quality in a person?

Olivia: I think a person’s best quality is their smile because I feel that we don’t smile as often these days so to be able to bring that out of someone is really great and necessary.”

What is one challenge you have faced in life?

Olivia: I have siblings who struggle with mental illness and it’s hard to watch someone you love struggle and not be able to help them. It’s been a transition of learning about addiction and different personality disorders and how to cope with that.

Raymery: One challenge I have faced is moving to another country with a different language and culture than mine.

What do you enjoy doing other than active listening?

Olivia: I enjoy writing, exercising, going to the beach and out to eat. I love fashion and getting my hair and nails done.

Raymery: I like to take photos and paint.

What is your favorite coping skill when times are hard?

Olivia: I enjoy writing things down and also having someone to vent to is very helpful for me. I also take walks if I can or just listen to some music and give myself 10 minutes to relax.

Raymery: I like to meditate. It helps me relax and face the situation better.

What is something kind that you can tell someone who is struggling?

Olivia: I’m here to listen to whatever you’re comfortable sharing with me and I’d be very glad to be approached by you. You matter and it’s okay to feel down. You’re important and I hope we can talk and help you feel better.

Raymery: You are a unique person with good qualities that illuminate and change a person’s bad day to a good one. Keep shining like the beautiful star that you are as better times will come.